Mariners Moose Tracks, 8/20/17: Nelson Cruz, Mitch Haniger, Rafael Devers, Mike Trout, and Budda Baker

How about those Mariners? After losing five games in a row, they have a chance to win five in a row with a victory today against the Rays. They’re only a half game back from the Angels and the Twins, while the Rangers and Royals are a game and a half back. I compiled some links to take your mind off of the tense wild card race. Enjoy.

In Mariners News...

• Nelson Cruz hits baseballs very hard.

• His homer yesterday put him at 31 dingers and 100 RBI. He’s been on a tear lately to reach those numbers.

• Mitch Haniger hit a grand slam in his first game back from the disabled list.

Mariners Minors...

• Max Povse started for the Rainiers last night, striking out seven in just under five innings.

• Donny Walton slapped three doubles for the Modesto Nuts in a 9-4 victory.

• The AZL Mariners lost, but Tommy Romero and Ryan Costello assembled some pretty incredible stat lines.

Around the League...

• Rafael Devers is younger than me, and is putting together a record-setting start of his career.

• Mike Trout became the third player to have six 25-homer seasons before age 26. The other two players to do it are in the Hall of Fame.

• Mike Moustakas is about to break a Royals’ franchise record for most home runs in a season.
• The Dodgers just won their 13th interleague game in a row, a record they now share with the 2004 Rays and 2006 Red Sox.
• Speaking of the Dodgers, they are now on pace to win the most games in league history.
• Craig Edwards of FanGraphs analyzes Marcus Stroman and his success over the past two seasons.
• The Blue Jays added starting pitcher Tom Koehler.

Luke’s Pick...

• Former Washington Husky defensive back Budda Baker even makes standing up look exciting.